Goodwill continued to expand its regional presence with the opening of a new Turlock store and donation center this week, located at 3000 N. Tegner Road in the Monte Vista Shopping Center.

The new location is highly visible from southbound Highway 99 and offers easy access for both shoppers and donors. Local customers browsed through the 14,300-square-foot remodeled facility for gently used and new items including jeans, business attire, and houseware appliances during the store's soft opening on Thursday.

Grand opening festivities will be held Nov. 12-18 that features daily prize give-aways including a $100 gas card, a Costco shopping spree, a 3-month membership at In-Shape Health Club, and a Vizio 42-inch flat screen television.

“Every day our customers will have the opportunity to win one of our many prizes,” said Regional Sales Manager Rosa Cardenas. “On Saturday and Sunday, a free gift will be given to our first 100 shoppers.”

This additional Turlock location adds 18 new jobs with benefits to the local economy and brings Goodwill’s total employee count to 310 in the San Joaquin Valley. The new store’s revenue will be used to fund job training and placement programs in Stanislaus County.

“Through the Goodwill we provide job training with people with disabilities and also provide opportunities for people who have barriers with employment,” said Cardenas.

Goodwill works to enhance the dignity and quality of life of individuals and families by strengthening communities, eliminating barriers to opportunity, and helping people in need reach their full potential through learning and the power of work.

“The employees at Goodwill are simply the best to work with,” said Goodwill’s clerk processor Daisy Draper. “I love working for a company that helps out other communities and cares for the well-being of its employees.”

Goodwill is open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday thru Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sundays. The store accepts donations of used clothing, toys and household wares during regular hours.